Paul Green says he leaves the North Queensland Cowboys with a "heavy heart" after he announced he will step down as the club's head coach, effective immediately.
Green addressed players on Monday morning before the club confirmed the move in a statement, which said Green departed "after consultation with club management" and it had become clear "that it was best for all parties to call time on his tenure as head coach".
"After seven years as head coach it is with a heavy heart that I make this announcement," Green said. "The board felt that the club was at a juncture where they needed to move in a different direction and I can only respect their views.
"Whilst this is obviously disappointing news, I am grateful to the board for allowing me to lead this club whilst creating some lifelong memories. I will use this next period to freshen up, spend some time with my family and assess options before moving on to my next coaching role."
Josh Hannay, a former Maroons Origin player and the assistant, will coach the club for the remainder of the 2020 season. He will be assisted by David Tangata-Toa.
It has been slim pickings for the Cowboys this season. With injuries to a number of leading players, including star recruit Valentine Holmes, they have won just three games, the same number as the Warriors, Titans and Broncos.
The Warriors have already sacked their coach Stephen Kearney, while the Bulldogs did the same to Dean Pay, with Green now likely to be in the frame for the Warriors position with Trent Barrett favourite to take over at the Dogs.
Regardless of the state of the side as he departs, Green will always be the coach that helped deliver a maiden premiership to the Cowboys in 2015, when they beat the Broncos in arguably the greatest grand final in the NRL era.
"I'd also like to thank all of those who aided in delivering the club's first premiership to the North Queensland community – being a part of that historical season is something I will always treasure," Green said.
"I'm pleased the club is providing an opportunity for Josh Hannay and David Tangata-Toa to stretch themselves in the coming weeks and thank them, our football staff and our players for their support. We have some terrific young players coming through our system which will set up the club for further success in the future."
Cowboys chairman Lewis Ramsay said Green had made an enduring contribution to the club.
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"Paul has spearheaded some remarkable achievements during his time with us and we will be forever thankful for the club-defining moments he has generated," Ramsay said. "Two Nine's trophies, two grand final appearances, a premiership, a World Club Challenge, coached three Dally M winners, all form an excellent resume for Paul to take with him as he embarks upon the next stage of his career.
"The club appreciates Paul's sincerity in choosing the best time for him to pass the baton and we wish him and his family the very best as they embark on their next journey."
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